In Search of Whales - Baja Sur

Day 1: Arrival/ San Jose del Cabo ~ Upon arrival to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) in Baja Sur, pick up your rental vehicles and drive to San Jose del Cabo.

Accommodations: El Encanto Inn

Meals: None

Day 2: Los Cabos ~ Whale watching season (mid-December through mid-April) in Los Cabos marks the arrival of many species to their winter mating and birthing grounds. The Pacific coast of the Baja Peninsula and the Sea of Cortez become home to thousands of whales for approximately four months each year. Start the morning with a guided whale watching tour in search of acrobatic humpback whales and possibly gray whales. The afternoon is yours to enjoy the surrounding area.

Accommodations: El Encanto Inn

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3:Los Cabos/ La Paz ~ You have the entire day to make your way from San Jose del Cabo to La Paz situated on the Sea of Cortez and the capital of Baja Sur. A stop in Todos Santos, a coastal oasis village town located at the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, is recommended. Initially founded as a mission in 1724 and now considered one of Mexico’s Pueblo Magico (“Magic Town”), Todos Santos is also home to the iconic Hotel California.

Accommodations: Hotel Blue

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4:La Paz/ Loreto ~ Few words can really describe just how extraordinary it is to swim alongside a shark, especially a shark the size of a whale! Whale sharks, the world’s largest fish have taken up semi-permanent residence in La Paz Bay and just a 10-minute boat ride from the marina. Start your day with a whale shark excursion. After your marine adventure, head north to Loreto, one of the oldest settlements in Baja California. You’re sure to be amazed by Loreto’s beautiful setting between the Sierra de la Giganta and Sea of Cortez.

Accommodations: Hotel Santa Fe

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Loreto/ San Ignacio Lagoon ~ Three Sea of Cortez wilderness islands (Danzante, Carmen and Monserrate) located in Loreto Bay National Park form the corners of the “Blue Triangle”. This area is considered one of the most important winter areas for blue whales, the largest animal ever known to have lived on Earth. In addition to blue whales, the national park provides habitat for humpback, fin, pilot and sperm whales in addition to orcas at certain times of the year. If you’re interested in an early start today, an optional guided boat tour searching the nearby coast in search of whales is available.

Drive from Loreto to San Ignacio Lagoon. Possible stops along the way include Playa El Burro, Mulege oasis and mission, Santa Rosalia and Tres Virgenes. Late afternoon arrival to Kuyimita Tented Camp where you’ll spend the next three nights.

Accommodations: Kuyimita Tented Camp

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Days 6-7: San Ignacio Lagoon ~ Viewing and interacting with the friendly gray whales of San Ignacio Lagoon is one of the most memorable wildlife encounters possible in North America. San Ignacio Lagoon is a winter breeding and calving ground for grey whales. With only 16 boats allowed in the viewing area at a time, San Ignacio provides incredible opportunities to view grey whales. Friendly encounters, when mothers and calves approach the boat, are regular occurrences in San Ignacio Lagoon. Friendly encounters aren’t guaranteed, but having two days with morning whale watching excursions increases the likelihood of such an experience. Depending on weather and number of boats in viewing area, afternoon whale watching excursions each day may be possible (additional fee will apply).

Accommodations: Kuyimita Tented Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: San Ignacio Lagoon/ Loreto ~ After breakfast, head back to Loreto.

Accommodations: Villa del Palmar

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Loreto/ San Jose del Cabo ~ Drive to San Jose del Cabo for your final night in Baja Sur.

Pricing includes accommodations, guided excursions on a shared basis, entrance fees, car rental, and meals as listed. A donation to support local whale conservation efforts in Mexico will be made on behalf of each participant.